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Evolution and diversity of subduction zones controlled by slab width

Author

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  • W. P. Schellart

    (Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia)

  • J. Freeman

    (Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia)

  • D. R. Stegman

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia)

  • L. Moresi

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia)

  • D. May

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia)

Abstract

Subducting slabs provide the main driving force for plate motion and flow in the Earth’s mantle1,2,3,4, and geodynamic, seismic and geochemical studies offer insight into slab dynamics and subduction-induced flow3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. Most previous geodynamic studies treat subduction zones as either infinite in trench-parallel extent3,5,6 (that is, two-dimensional) or finite in width but fixed in space7,16. Subduction zones and their associated slabs are, however, limited in lateral extent (250–7,400 km) and their three-dimensional geometry evolves over time. Here we show that slab width controls two first-order features of plate tectonics—the curvature of subduction zones and their tendency to retreat backwards with time. Using three-dimensional numerical simulations of free subduction, we show that trench migration rate is inversely related to slab width and depends on proximity to a lateral slab edge. These results are consistent with retreat velocities observed globally, with maximum velocities (6–16 cm yr-1) only observed close to slab edges ( 2,000 km) retreat velocities are always slow (

Suggested Citation

  • W. P. Schellart & J. Freeman & D. R. Stegman & L. Moresi & D. May, 2007. "Evolution and diversity of subduction zones controlled by slab width," Nature, Nature, vol. 446(7133), pages 308-311, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:446:y:2007:i:7133:d:10.1038_nature05615
    DOI: 10.1038/nature05615
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    Cited by:

    1. Yaguang Chen & Hanlin Chen & Mingqi Liu & Taras Gerya, 2023. "Vertical tearing of subducting plates controlled by geometry and rheology of oceanic plates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Jiashun Hu & Lijun Liu & Michael Gurnis, 2021. "Southward expanding plate coupling due to variation in sediment subduction as a cause of Andean growth," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Kuidi Zhang & Jie Liao & Taras Gerya, 2024. "Onset of double subduction controls plate motion reorganisation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Puetz, Stephen J., 2022. "The infinitely fractal universe paradigm and consupponibility," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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